MINGORA: Heavy snowfall at Mahodand Lake in the Upper Ushu valley attracted a large number of tourists from across the country to enjoy the snow-clad mountainous panorama.

The first snowfall of the year in the upper areas of Swat has covered the high peak mountains and also spread a white sheet on the lakes located in the high altitude turning the area into a fairy world.

Tourists from Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and other parts of the country have started visiting Kalam, Utror, Gabral, Matiltan, Mahodand and other areas of Swat to enjoy the natural beauty of snow-dressed mountains, slopes and lakes.

Some tourists from Lahore, who were throwing snowballs at each other and running here and there with loud laughter, said that they were witnessing snowfall for the first time in their life.

Visitors say they want to come again despite dilapidated road

“We had planned to visit Kalam in the winter last year but could not make it then. Now we have managed to come here. We are excited to have come here as we are enjoying the beautiful valley wearing white sheet,” said Iqbal Anjum, a member of the group.

The tourists said that the valley was so charming and serene that they forgot the busy routine of life.

“We have visited Swat several times during the summer season and enjoyed the lush green valleys, thick forests, waterfalls, streams and rivers of crystal clear water.

This time we came here in the snowfall season which has its own unique charm. The snow-clad mountains, trees and the surroundings look gorgeous,” said Shazia Ali, another tourist who visited Mahodand with her family.

The tourists said that Ushu valley must be visited by the lovers of snowfall and mountains as they would find solace all around.

“Although Mahodand Lake is a popular tourist resort during the summer season, yet I bet the landscape has no match in the winter when everything is clad in snow,” said Amir Ali Khan, a tourist from Peshawar.

The tourists said that the road was in bad shape but the site was so splendid and attractive that they wanted to visit the area again and again.

“I am inviting everyone to come and experience the beautiful snowfall and the snow-clad valley. The entire scene is beautiful with exquisite panorama,” said Zahoor Ali, a tourist from Islamabad.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2018